Tree Pruning Archives | Branch Management

How to Maintain a Chainsaw?

Having equipment is great, but having them working properly all the time is something else. For tips on chainsaw maintenance…

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Having been in the Tree Services industry for over 20 years we have bought many brands and sizes of chainsaws. Small climbing saws, extendable pole pruners, hedgers, medium all round chainsaws and large chainsaws.

A good crew on the ground are taught early how to maintain a chainsaw. How to mix the right ratio of oil to 2-stroke. How the chain should be tensioned and how the chainsaw should be running to avoid any major expensive damages.

Chainsaws like dry and dust free conditions so make sure you get into the habit of cleaning your chainsaws before putting them away. Here are a few tips:-

Emptying the fuel tank

Empty the fuel tank in a well-ventilated place and then clean it. Remember to drain the carburettor first, to prevent the carburettor diaphragms from sticking together.

Dismantling chainsaws

Remove the chain and guide bar, after that clean them and spray them with a protective oil.

Safe Storage in a dry dust free place

Your chainsaw should be stored indoors in a dry, well ventilated place away from the weather. This could be your garage, garden shed or truck. Your chainsaw may have come with a storage case which is ideal for keeping your chainsaw protected. Also remember to keep your chainsaw out of reach of children.

Protect from the sun

Store the machine away from the direct rays of the sun. Exposure to the sun’s rays causes UV embrittlement.

Servicing

Your chainsaw should be serviced regularly to ensure longevity of your purchase.

Leave It To The Exports

If you have started a job at your home and realise that it is a bit too big and beyond your capabilities, don’t panic, give James a call on 0419 289 223. James has been doing all sorts of tree maintenance over the last 30 years and will save you on those awkward jobs.

For more information on each of these services we provide click here for more.

If you are sick of waiting for a tradie click here, we provide professional tree services Newcastle all the time.

To identify different species of trees an AQF5 Arborist is your go to person. Our AQF5 Arborist has years of experience and knows his species. Looking for some pruning tips.

Safety Tips for Tree Removal Work Sites?

Are you thinking about becoming a tree removal worker in the Arborist Industry? Well here are a few tips before you start…

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Training?

If you are thinking about working in the Arborist Industry well here are some Safety Tips for Tree Removal Work Sites? Depending on what level arborist you want to be, will depend on the certification you require.

Before you start your day you will need to be wearing the correct PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). These personal items start with steel cap safety boots, long pants, long shirt, hard hat, gloves, safety glasses and sunscreen.

Once you are all set up in your PPE, training for the guys on the ground starts with chipper & chainsaws. These certificates can be obtained after starting the position and training will begin on day 1. Correct use of the chipper and a chainsaw is important. It is important not only for you but for the safety of the other workers on site. Read here for more information on chainsaw maintenance.

Manual Handling

For the safety of yourself, manual handling training is very important. To use correct techniques when lifting heavy pieces of timber will save your back now and later on in life. As the tree industry is a physical one, there is no excuse not to be taught the correct techniques in lifting heavy pieces of timber. In most cases, a bobcat, skid steer or trolley will be used but there are always those tight locations that those sorts of equipment will not fit therefore manual handling is the only form of transporting timber.

Assisting with the dismantling

As you progress you will be asked to assist the climber in dismantling the tree by holding the ropes whilst standing on the ground. Usually the ropes are connected through the friction drum that is strapped to the trunk of the tree. The friction drum is used to allow the person on the ground to control branches and timber and takes the weight allowing the person on the ground to lower heavier pieces.

Hydration

Throughout your day staying hydrated is a must particularly on those hot days. Working in the outdoors will drain you and your energy so keep hydrated and well nourished. Eating plenty of healthy food and lots of water throughout the day will enable a faster recovery for you at the end of the day.

First Aid

Working on a site where accidents happen and people can get hurt it is always required to have a trained First Aid Officer and First Aid kits in all vehicles.

These are just a few points on working in the Arborist Industry. There are many levels to Arboriculture ranging from Level 2 up to Consulting Level 5. Each level requires a TAFE course.

Branch Management have all different levels of arborist who can provide all aspect of tree work for you. Click for more information on each of these services.

If you are sick of waiting for a tradie click here, we provide professional tree services Newcastle all the time.

To identify different species of trees an AQF5 Arborist is your go to person. Our AQF5 Arborist has years of experience and knows his species. Looking for some pruning tips.

Why Rain Water is Better for Plants than Tap Water?

Ever wondered if rain water is better for plants than tap water? Continue reading to find out why…

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Why is Rainwater so Good for Plants?

Plants use the moisture in the soil to replenish the water lost through transpiration. If there is no water in the soil, the leaves will wilt. As more water is lost, the plant will fail and eventually die. Rainwater builds up the moisture levels in the soil and assures a healthy plant.

Benefits of Rain Water that Tap Water can’t Supply.

There are several reasons rainwater is more suitable for plants than tap water, but the most important is chemistry. In tap water, chlorine is a necessary disinfectant and fluoride is added to prevent cavities (as long as you drink one glass a day).

While it’s true that tap water can help plants grow healthy, rainwater is actually a much better choice as garden water. Notice that after rain falls, plants take on a greener, cleaner and lusher appearance.

Nearly all plants are susceptible to chlorine toxicity, usually expressed in burnt leaf margins.

Calcium and magnesium

Calcium and Magnesium make tap water hard and damaging to pipes, which is sometimes remedied by the addition of sodium as a water softener. But none of these mineral elements — which are much less concentrated in rainwater — do plants much good when delivered through a sprinkler system. The white sediment you see on the leaves of your plants is calcium and magnesium sediment from irrigation water, and sodium, like chlorine, is toxic to plant tissue.

Furthermore, sodium that reaches the ground is damaging to soil structure, too. In a productive garden, soil particles clump together in beneficial aggregates. Sodium, however, disperses these aggregates and creates cracks on the soil surface.

Plants look greener after it rains since air is 78 percent nitrogen and nitrogen, above all other elements, is what makes plants green. Some of this element, in its nitrate and ammonium forms, comes down in the rain and is immediately taken in by plants through roots and leaves.

Oxygen

Rainwater also contains more oxygen than tap water. You might think your plants are dangerously waterlogged as a result of excessive rain. Yet, whereas waterlogging may bring about anaerobic soil conditions and lead to root rot if you overwater your plants with tap water, the fact that rainwater is highly oxygenated may provide a margin of safety when soil is saturated after a downpour.

Carbon dioxide is also brought down to Earth to the benefit of plants when it rains. Carbon dioxide, when it combines with other minerals in the atmosphere, imparts to rainwater an acidic pH. When this acidic rainwater reaches the soil, it helps to release micronutrients such as zinc, manganese, copper and iron that are essential to plant growth but are mostly locked up in our local soil, which typically registers a neutral to alkaline pH. (Excessive pollutants in the air can produce so-called acid rain, which is harmful to plants, but is more of an issue in the Northeast than locally.)

Another benefit of rain is that it leaches salts down beyond the root zone. These salts, which are carried in irrigation water, accumulate throughout the soil profile and inhibit plant growth. When these salts are flushed through the soil after several years of accumulation, as is happening this winter, the effect is pronounced and the growth of plants is explosive.

Rain also distinguishes itself by the simple fact that it falls uniformly in the garden. This means that all of the soil is leached so that even the furthest reaches of a plant’s root zone will be bathed and cleansed of salt.

And, of course, rainwater will also wash off the mineral deposits, dust and pollutants that cover the leaves of all our plants, each and every one a survivor of the profoundly anti-horticultural urban environment that we call home.

For more information on each of these services we provide click here for more.

If you are sick of waiting for a tradie click here, we provide professional tree services Newcastle all the time.

To identify different species of trees an AQF5 Arborist is your go to person. Our AQF5 Arborist has years of experience and knows his species. Looking for some pruning tips.

Climber Training Tree Services Newcastle?

Ever thought about becoming a tree climber for a profession with the best Tree Services Newcastle Provider? Our tree climber trainee, Jack is learning the ropes…

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As a Tree Services Newcastle company owner, I have been approached by young people wanting to learn how to climb trees. Climbing trees isn’t about sitting an exam and passing with flying colours. It is about having a teacher who is patient and capable to teach you how to climb and also a company that has the money to back you whilst you are learning and gaining speed.

Jack has wanted to learn to climb trees and in the past we haven’t been able to accommodate him with his request. He recently came back to work with us after being overseas for a while and we are now in a position to help him fulfil his dream. James our full time climber has the patience and teaching ability to show Jack what is required and why? In the last few months Jack has been able to climb some small trees and has advanced to being able to climb trees side by side with James. We now have Jack pruning small and medium sized trees comfortably by himself (with a spotter always keeping a close eye on him).

What James is teaching Jack

Safety checks – the most important rule before starting to climb is checking your equipment. Check your harness, ropes, pole belt and any other climbing and safety equipment associated to tree climbing that is vital to keeping you safe within the tree. Check for fraying or splits on your equipment. Also checking your chainsaws is important too.

Before climbing the tree, assess it. Check the tree for any hazards and make necessary steps.

Ascending and descending the tree with ropes and harnesses.

Ropes and knots appropriate for pruning/removal.

Climbing trees can be seen as an arrogant profession. Yes there definitely is the inexperienced and “she’ll be right kind” attitude kind of climbers. When looking for the right climber for your trees, look for confidence but not too cocky, experience, knowledge and just straight down to earth and friendly.

For more information on each of these services we provide click here for more.

If you are sick of waiting for a tradie click here, we provide professional tree services Newcastle all the time.

To identify different species of trees an AQF5 Arborist is your go to person. Our AQF5 Arborist has years of experience and knows his species. Looking for some pruning tips.

A Big Thank You to Everyone?

It is a team effort to make large jobs finish on time…

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School holidays are always busy with tree maintenance within our schools. 30, 40, 50 or more trees to prune or remove to keep our schools safe. There is never a dull moment especially when an already large job is doubled in size within a moments notice.

A big shout out to all the crew who worked exceptionally hard each day this week to complete the job on time. It is always an interesting conversation at the end of the day with the descriptive words used to describe how they feel.

Large jobs with multiple trees allows us to train our climbers on small, medium and large trees depending on their experience. Our trainee climber was able to go from small to medium trees within days as his confidence grew. We always have a crew member as a spotter for each climber to ensure everyone’s safety.

James & Jack our Climbers

James has over 25 years experience with climbing and challenges himself on every job. Not only on getting around a tree but his quoting side to ensure our customers are getting the best possible price for our time on site.

Jack is our trainee climber and everyday getting experience pruning trees. His confidence is growing and with time his speed and knowledge will enable him to be a A grade climber.

Nathan & Owen our Spotters

Nathan & Owen combined have many years experience at helping dismantle trees and being the support to our climbers. It is an art to be able to lower branches without damaging surrounding buildings or people. The use of a friction drum takes the load and helps guide the branches and trunk wood to the ground. Their job is also chipping and removing the debris from the site to ensure a safe work zone.

Stephen our AQF Arborist

Couldn’t do it without the knowledge from Stephen. Always there to help out and explain his determinations. Stephen assesses trees on private properties, schools and commercial properties for heath and safety but also risk management. His knowledge for council rules and legal issues is a credit to him.

Dave our Excavator/Wood Truck provider

For many years Dave has been our reliable trunk wood removal specialist including ripping out rootballs and removing from site. Described as one of the best excavator operators by many, he is quick, reliable and safe. Always up for a chat or 2 or 3 but makes up for that with his work ethic. Always a pleasure.

Ali our Stump Grinding Operator

Nice to have another chick on board and Ali knows her stuff when grinding our stumps. Quick, efficient and very safe. Always wanting to please and make sure the client is happy at the end of the day. Will go that extra mile to ensure a tidy completion. She nails it with her eye for detail.

So when it comes to big jobs, jobs that make them all stressed and tired, please know that your work is appreciated by me.

Aerial Inspections provide Peace of Mind for Everyone?

So why are aerial inspections so important…

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So many tree owners ring requesting tree assessments. They have had branches start to fall, a storm has passed through and they are nervous about the state of their tree or it is just starting to die. An assessment is done by standing on the ground and looking up. So many tell tale signs can be seen from the ground. There are also many times when an aerial inspection is required which enables the arborist to look from the top of the tree down.

James has performed many aerial inspections and often found problems that are bigger than once thought. Photo’s are taken and then assessed by our AQF5 Arborist.

A few years ago, a home owner called us for another opinion. He had already had 2 other tree companies and an arborist from the council look at his tree in his back yard. They all advised that it was fine. Upon our inspection we recommended an aerial inspection which showed the tree to be hollow through many of its branches and where the main trunk forks. As the tree was very large, this could not be detected from the ground. At any time the tree could have failed damaging not only the home owners property but his 2 neighbours properties. Luckily the home owner’s instinct was to keep searching until he found some answers.

If you are concerned or your instinct is saying get another opinion, give us a call.

James our Home Owners Specialist

James provides free quotes to all home owners and will spend time answering your queries and questions. His knowledge spans over 28 years of being in the tree industry and from climbing some of the tallest and most dangerous trees. He is the one that will prune or remove your tree when our quotes are accepted so you can be guaranteed his timing for the work to be perform will not be overcharged.

Needing a Reliable, Professional Tree Service Packages Company for your clients?

Who is our Professional Tree Services Package professional and why is she so good…

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Strata’s, Real Estates, Schools, Governments & Corporate Clients are always after a professional, safe and friendly business who can provide quality work at a fantastic price with a reliable professional service.

Shelley is our Professional Package co-ordinator who will be there to answer your calls, answer your questions, provide you with ongoing quotes with a reliable timeframe. Shelley has been working in the Tree Industry for over 20 years and has been co-ordinating all jobs for the last 15 years. Her specialty is being the reliable client contact who delivers.

From updating insurance policies when needed to providing all types of trades to perform the most delicate, to the most dangerous jobs. Training and safety are her key elements to choosing crew members for the job.

Her communication skills with our clients and your clients will leave you with a smile on your face.

You will feel in safe hands.

Free Quotes for Home Owners from our Specialist

From when you first ring to arranging your FREE Quotes, we are interested in your request and try to make it as hassle free as possible.

A time will be arranged that suits both and as promptly as possible. James our Home Owners Specialist will turn up to your property on time, every time otherwise you will receive a phone call. The free quotes will last as long as necessary covering all your queries and questions. You will receive a written quote from our quote book identifying what will be done and a price that will be competitive.

We do not ask if you have received other quotes and or other prices. Our price is guaranteed to be our best price all the time.

Need a helping hand from our Home Owners Specialist with a Free Quote?

Who is our Home Owner Specialist and why is he so good…

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If you are a Home Owner and require the services of a Specialist for a Free Quote regarding your Tree Services Newcastle, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and Cessnock areas, look no further. James Sullivan is our Specialist and has over 28 years experience within the tree industry. He has years of experience climbing trees and therefore has expert knowledge to provide a professional, cost effective and quality quote. His climbing skills is to your advantage as he will be the one performing the works. His knowledge of getting around a tree and how best to do the scope of works required means you won’t be over charged.

James can also provide you with a quote on pruning, removing, hedging, replanting, transplanting, block and land clearing.

What makes James different from the rest is he will take the time to explain the process of dismantling or pruning your tree and answer all of your queries and questions.

His crew will take care of your property and the clean up at the end will be like no other.

Looking for the more Professional Package

Are you renting and like our services, referrals are our best form of advertising. We service all types of strata management companies, real estates, schools and corporate customers. We are the experts in Professional Tree Service Packages. Call us today for a free consultation on how we can best serve you and your customers with no obligation, free quotes with a professional you will be pleased to have met.

Trees and People

Trees provide shade on hot days, and many species provide food such as fruits and nuts. When planted in numbers in large parks and gardens, they have a calming effect for people who walk amongst them….

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Trees also produce oxygen which all animals need to breathe, while absorbing carbon dioxide which animals (and people) breathe out. The oxygen transpired by trees contains some water vapour and this can have a cooling effect if you are under the tree.

Some favourite fruit trees consist of apples, oranges, plums and mangoes. Bananas are a popular fruit, however, the banana plant is not a tree by scientific standards, rather it is classified as a soft wooded perennial because it has no actual wood in its trunk and stems.

Some popular nut trees are Macadamias and cashews. Nuts from trees are basically the seed inside a fruit. Some fruits like apples are edible, however, their seeds are poisonous if eaten in large numbers.

Many trees provide herbal remedies which can help people with illnesses, and some people do not like medicinal drugs, so herbal remedies can be a good alternative. An example of this is the Ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba). Herbal extracts made from this tree can help with memory and peripheral circulation (blood).

The flowers of many trees are visually appealing, and help calm people by their appearance. The flowers of trees (and all plants) are to attract pollinators though. They did not evolve for people to look at.

Free Quotes

We offer free quotes in all areas of Newcastle, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock and surrounding areas. If you are sick of waiting for a tradie click here, we provide professional services all the time. We will turn up on time for your quote or job, otherwise you will receive a phone call.

To identify different species of trees an AQF5 Arborist is your go to person. Our AQF5 Arborist has years of experience and knows his species.

ABOUT US

At Branch Management we strive to offer you quality, professional and safe Arborist, tree removal & Tree Lopping Services in Newcastle and surrounding areas with competitive prices. We look forward to speaking with you soon!